By Mackie M. Jalloh
The Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) has announced the successful tabling of the Auditor-General’s Report on the Accounts of Sierra Leone for the financial year ending 31st December 2023. This significant development occurred on Tuesday, 17th December 2024, after the report was submitted to Parliament on Monday, 9th December 2024.
The Acting Auditor-General emphasized the constitutional and statutory responsibility of the Audit Service to ensure public accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. This is enshrined in Section 119(2) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which mandates the Auditor-General to audit public accounts, including those of central and local government institutions, courts, universities, statutory corporations, and any public body established wholly or partly with public funds.
Furthermore, Section 119(4) of the Constitution outlines the requirement for the Auditor-General to submit an annual report to Parliament within 12 months after the end of the preceding financial year. The report should highlight irregularities in the audited accounts and any matters of public interest that require Parliament’s attention.
Key Highlights of the Report’s Significance
The Audit Report is a critical tool for ensuring the proper management of public funds in Sierra Leone. It provides Parliament and the general public with insights into how government entities and public institutions have utilized allocated resources. By scrutinizing the accounts, the report identifies financial discrepancies, areas of non-compliance, and recommendations for improving governance.
In light of Sierra Leone’s economic challenges, the tabling of this report is a vital step in fostering financial transparency. It serves as a benchmark for holding public officials accountable and ensuring that public funds are used for their intended purposes, including development programs and essential services.
The Acting Auditor-General reaffirmed the ASSL’s commitment to promoting excellence and accountability within public institutions. By adhering to its constitutional mandate, the Audit Service plays a key role in strengthening public financial management and building trust between citizens and government institutions.
Transparency and Public Access
The report’s availability to the public is another significant milestone in promoting transparency. Citizens can access the full document on the official ASSL website, www.auditservice.gov.sl, enabling them to stay informed about the management of the nation’s finances. The online availability underscores the organization’s dedication to ensuring that Sierra Leoneans have access to critical information that impacts national governance and development.
Parliamentary Deliberations and Next Steps
With the report now tabled in Parliament, lawmakers are expected to engage in deliberations to examine its findings and address any irregularities. The report’s recommendations will likely guide efforts to improve financial management practices across public institutions. The role of Parliament in this process is pivotal, as its oversight will ensure that the findings of the report translate into actionable measures to enhance accountability and curb misuse of public funds.
ASSL’s Role in National Development
As Sierra Leone continues its efforts to strengthen governance and financial integrity, the ASSL remains at the forefront of this mission. The institution’s commitment to promoting transparency aligns with broader goals of improving public service delivery and fostering sustainable development. By highlighting irregularities and providing actionable recommendations, the Audit Report contributes to a culture of accountability that is essential for national progress.
A Call to Action
The release of the 2023 Audit Report comes at a time when public demand for accountability is high. Citizens are encouraged to engage with the report, monitor developments in Parliament, and advocate for the implementation of its recommendations. Civil society organizations and the media also have a crucial role to play in disseminating information and holding institutions accountable.
The Audit Service Sierra Leone’s commitment to promoting accountability underscores the importance of its work in safeguarding public resources. The tabling of the 2023 Audit Report is a significant milestone in ensuring that public funds are managed transparently and effectively for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans.
For further information, the public is advised to contact Martin Sandy, Senior Information, Education, and Communications Officer at ASSL.
